Because Australia is a federation, public holiday schedules vary across different states and territories.
Holiday calendars have been created for the major states (click to visit each region's specific calendar page).

Overview of Australian Public Holidays

While specific details are left to each regional page, an overview of public holidays in Australia is provided below:

  1. Nationwide Public Holidays
    The following holidays are observed on the same date throughout Australia.
    (Slight differences may occur between states due to variations in how substitute holidays are observed.)
    • New Year's Day (January 1)
    • Australia Day (January 26)
    • Good Friday (Date varies each year according to the liturgical calendar)
    • Easter Monday (Same as above)
    • Anzac Day (April 25)
    • Christmas Day (December 25)
    • Boxing Day (December 26)
  2. Holidays with Dates Varying by State
    The following two holidays are observed nationwide, but their exact dates depend on the state or territory.
    • King's Birthday (Celebrates the British monarch's birthday. The date is fixed by regulation regardless of the actual date of birth)
      Second Monday in June (ACT, NSW, VIC, NT, SA, TAS)
      Last Monday in September (WA)
      First Monday in October (QLD)
    • Labor Day (Eight Hours Day)
      Second Monday in March (VIC, WA, TAS - observed as Eight Hours Day)
      First Monday in May (QLD, NT)
      First Monday in October (ACT, NSW, SA)
  3. State-Specific Holidays
    In addition to the above, there are specific holidays designated by local governments in individual states and territories.
    (Examples)
    • Canberra Day (ACT) Second Monday in March
    • Reconciliation Day (ACT) First Monday on or after May 27
    • Melbourne Cup Day (VIC) First Tuesday in November
    • Friday before AFL Grand Final (VIC) Last Friday in September
    • Royal Queensland Show / Ekka Wednesday (QLD - Brisbane area only) The Wednesday of the week in which August 10 falls

  etc.

For more specific info, please refer to individual state pages using the list above.